Okay I know another long stretch between posts. I do apologize. Some of my blogging buddies are beginning to wonder where I’ve been. I suppose I’d better update a little. LOL!!

For starters I have been taking a break from the computer for a while and focusing on potty training my 2 yo, as well as comfort my 7 month old whose been cutting 3 teeth all at once and with the accompanying fevers. Which is really fun (NOT) with all this heat and no AC!! SIGH! It’ll be 100 to 103 this weekend. I think we’ll be at the mall all day!! LOL!!

I have also been taking some time off of schooling the children. For said reasons above, and for some creative time for me. The one thing I have noticed that remains constant with me is that I am a creative person. Without the time and or ability to create I get feeling bogged down, and overwhelmed. Which is what I believe has been happening over the last 2 ½ years. I have had to leave that side of me alone during 3 pregnancies back to back, 3 moves back to back, and slim finances. The things with the finances holding me back is during 2 of the moves (that were military moves), the packing companies will not allow things like paint, (even craft paint) stains, glues, candles, wax, etc, to be moved so therefore all my supplies had to be tossed. Sniff. Rebuilding my supplies has been difficult.

Over the last year I have gathered a few items, but was already in the day to day “business like” attitude of “I’ve got to get this or that done, there is no time for messing around.” It took me feeling really down and burdened as well as watching how my children love to create to help me realize that part of me was missing. I began to think about the Lord and how creative He is, and since He made us in His image…then being creative in some way is in our design. Why fight it? I realized I was fighting against myself all this time. LOL!! That’s always fun. My hubby is also very creative, he used to write poetry and draw beautiful things. However as life has been happening, he has completely put those things away and believes they are no longer there, it is my prayer that he picks them up once again someday.

So anyway, I have taken the time to repurpose a book shelf for the children, (it’s in my living room, so I wanted it to blend with the décor.) I also made 2 necklaces, one for me and one for my daughter. In addition to that I have been making the children a “behavior” type chart. It has pockets, and cards to fill them. Each of the 2 older children will have 6 pockets. Two pockets for their assigned “zones;” one for zones to do and one for zones done. The middle pockets are for school assignments to do, and one for the assignments done. The third pockets are for character; one positive and one negative. We are using the “Fruits of the Spirit” for determining character. If they exhibit things opposite of the “Fruits of the Spirit” then the card is put into the negative pocket. They then have to earn it back and so on. There is a little more to it, but I’ll save that for another post if readers are interested. Just leave me a comment. I will add pictures of the chart when all the cards are finished, as I am hand making them all. I have also been helping out a few fellow bloggers with decorating on my other blog, 7swallowtails. I hesitate to put that out there as I would hate to be scrutinized as to my intentions. I am merely providing help with love, and no expectations for anything in return. Well maybe a smile! He-He-He!

I’ll leave you with my preliminary action plan for the upcoming school year. I have decided that I will school the kids 4 days a week, and use Fridays as a modified day. They will still do their bible, math and grammar, however it will also be used as a make-up day for assignments not completed, or school crafts not done. In addition to that I will use that day for some good old fashioned house cleaning. I do a little everyday; however some of the more detailed stuff needs a little extra time, so Friday will be the day. I know this will help in keeping me feeling more relaxed, and not so stressed during the school year. I will post my schedule in the few days for those interested. I will also post my picks for curriculum for the new school year, and why I choose them. I know that this time of year there are many moms looking for encouragement, and ideas for their new journey of homeschooling. I wish I would have had the resources and support that HSB provides, a few years ago!! LOL!! I pray and hope moms will find what they need on the various blogs over the next few weeks as we all get ready for our new school year.

Have a blessed day.

~Renee~